[11/25-27]Yokohama to spearhead Asian Circular Cities Declaration at ASCC 2025

On 2025/11/14

The City of Yokohama announced it will lead a call to establish an Asian Circular Cities Declaration at the upcoming Asia Smart City Conference (ASCC) 2025. The international conference is scheduled to take place from November 25 to 26 at Pacifico Yokohama.

The City of Yokohama aims to create a framework for cities in Asia to collaborate on the transition to a circular economy that promotes sustainable economic growth and reduces environmental impact. A similar framework, the European Circular Cities Declaration, was established in 2020 and now includes approximately 90 cities across 22 countries that share challenges and best practices. Currently, no such system exists in Asia.

Group photo at the closing of ASCC 2024.

On November 25, Yokohama will act as the instigating city in a signing ceremony for a public letter of request. Mayor of Yokohama, Yamanaka Takeharu, who also serves as a director for ICLEI Japan, will be joined by other Asian city leaders, including the mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The letter will formally petition international networks, such as ICLEI Japan – Local Governments for Sustainability, to support the creation of the Asian declaration.

The following day, November 26, international organisations will respond to the request in a dedicated session. Representatives from ICLEI, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, United Nations agencies, the Circle Economy Foundation, and the regional network Citynet are scheduled to discuss the establishment of the declaration and the support mechanisms required for cities.

This year marks the 14th Asia Smart City Conference hosted by Yokohama. The event brings together representatives from city governments, international organisations, academic institutions, and private companies to discuss the creation of sustainable cities. The theme for ASCC 2025 is “Towards an Environmentally Friendly Circular Society: Promoting the Circular Economy, Carbon Neutrality, and GREEN×EXPO 2027.”

The conference itself is organised with environmental considerations. The venue, Pacifico Yokohama, achieves virtually zero CO2 emissions from energy use and recycles about 90% of its waste. During the event, drinking water will be provided in recyclable paper-based Tetra Pak cartons, and reusable coffee cups from Circloop will be used to promote environmental action among attendees.

About the Asia Smart City Conference (ASCC) 2025

An international conference where representatives of cities worldwide, government bodies, international organisations, academia, and private companies gather to discuss how to build sustainable cities that balance economic growth with a high-quality urban environment. Hosted by the City of Yokohama, it began in 2012 and marks its 14th edition this year.

Theme: Towards a Circular Society ~Promoting the Circular Economy, Carbon Neutrality, and GREEN×EXPO 2027~
Dates & programme:
- Tue, 25 November: Opening Session, Plenary Session
- Wed, 26 November: City Sessions, Business Sessions, Closing Session, Exhibition Booths
Venue: PACIFICO Yokohama North (25–26 November)
Languages: English and Japanese (simultaneous interpretation available)
General admission: Free (advance registration required)
Official website: https://ascc.city.yokohama.lg.jp/

[Reference] City of Yokohama Reporter Announcements (Japanese)
[Reference] Zenbird -Gateway to Sustainability in Japan

ASCC, Asia, asia smart city conference, circular city, circular city declaration, Circular economy, circularity, conference, ICLEI, Japan, smart city, sustainability, Yokohama

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